Development Assistant

Professional Child Development Associates (PCDA) is a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting young people with Autism and developmental disabilities. The Development Assistant role involves supporting fundraising, donor engagement, and community outreach efforts, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to strengthen relationships within the community.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and coordination of community-building events for clients, client families, staff, board members, donors, and community partners
• Assist with event logistics including timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, materials preparation, and follow-up
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure events are welcoming, inclusive, and aligned with PCDA’s mission and values
• Support a range of event types, including donor stewardship gatherings, community outreach and celebrations, staff appreciation events, board activities, and other engagement opportunities as PCDA’s needs evolve
• Support the creation and distribution of monthly newsletters and other communications for donors, families, and community stakeholders
• Assist with quarterly updates for major donors and supporters
• Help manage and update PCDA’s website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Assist with annual appeals, annual reports, marketing materials, and press releases that highlight PCDA’s programs, people, and impact
• Coordinate photography and visual assets for events, programs, and stewardship materials
• Draft letters, emails, and other correspondence to donors, volunteers, and community partners
• Maintain accurate records of donations, donor engagement, and grant activity using DonorPerfect, Excel, and related tools
• Process gifts and prepare timely donor acknowledgment letters
• Support reconciliation of donor records in collaboration with the Finance team
• Assist with generating reports to support fundraising strategy and donor stewardship
• Support communications and engagement with the Board of Directors, committees, donors, and community ambassadors
• Assist with donor cultivation and stewardship activities to help supporters feel informed, appreciated, and connected to PCDA’s work
• Work collaboratively with the Development Manager on appeals, campaigns, reporting, and stewardship activities
• Maintain organized electronic files and records related to development activities
• Attend networking and community events as a representative of PCDA’s mission and values
• Collaborate with colleagues across clinical departments to support agency-wide strategic goals
• Work with program staff on grant expense tracking and timelines

Skills

• Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of experience in a nonprofit or related professional setting. Experience in fundraising or development is helpful but not required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort engaging in person, online, and over the phone
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, follow-through, and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while remaining flexible, curious, and solutions-focused
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a mission-driven environment
• Warm, professional, and relationship-oriented approach to work
• Interest in community-based work supporting individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities in a respectful, neurodiversity-affirming way
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events
• Commitment to client confidentiality and agency policies
• Fingerprinting and TB clearance required prior to employment
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background clearances in accordance with state and federal regulations
• Experience with DonorPerfect, Squarespace, Constant Contact or similar email platforms, SurveyMonkey, or CRM systems is a plus. Training will be provided as needed

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